Saturday, January 31, 2009

Here's a card I made using the latest Viva La Verve Challenge. If you haven't checked out the challenges, Verve Diva Amber posts a sketch challenge "with a twist" in the Verve forum on SCS every Friday. They're GREAT sketches and it's a lot of fun to play along! Plus, you could win some Verve stamps!

For this sketch, the "twist" was to use embossing. I chose to use the Friends Forever Cuttlebug folder for my background. I just love those flowers. :)

Friday, January 30, 2009

1. Navigate to where you keep your pictures, select the 6th folder, and the 6th picture in that folder.2. Post the picture on your blog, with an explanation of the story behind the picture

Well, when I saw Christie's picture of her laundry room I thought "oh gosh, what might MY 6th picture of my 6th folder be". . .so I just had to find out! LOL Thankfully, it was a picture of my kids with my sister-in-law. I can't believe how much younger the kids look. . .and Arwen with her binky! That was such an IMPORTANT part of who she was, so when she gave it up without any problem, I was amazed. Now it's so weird to see her with it! Too funny how you get used to certain things and forget that they used to be different. Anyway, this picture was a day at my mother-in-law's house.

I think I'm also supposed to tag people to do this same thing, but I've seen this tag on so many blogs now that I don't even know who has been tagged and who hasn't. So, if you're reading this post and would like to play along, let me know when you post your picture to YOUR blog so I can come check out your 6th picture! Have a great day!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

When I was thinking of different "Valentine" uses for the Flirty Fortunes set from Paper Pretties, one of the thoughts I had was to make a gift item that didn't have to cost very much money. I know my husband will LOVE a gift like this. I made the different colored fortune cookies to fit inside a fry box. In each fortune cookie, I put a little "fortune". Depending on who you plan to give this to, you can adjust your "fortunes". :) Since this is a gift for my husband, the "fortunes" are things like "a back rub", "a foot massage", "homemade dinner of your choice", etc. etc. All nice, little (inexpensive) reasons to wanna stay in! ;) The only thing you may have to figure out with this little package is how to keep the kids in bed! :)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

I have a project posted over on the Stamp a Sweet Impression (SASI) Blog today! I'd love it if you'd pop over there and let me know what you think! Hopefully, you'll think it's SWEET! :) Thanks for stopping by!

Two weeks ago, Jana challenged the Prettie Girls to a very specific challenge. I think I got everything, but I'm afraid I don't like the end result very much. Oh well, you can't love everything you make, right? Jana's challenge was to create a card or scrapbook page using the following items:

Within these parameters she gave the following qualifications: the dry embossed piece must be one of your patterned papers or your 3 colors. At no point should there be more than 4 layers under a top piece of cardstock. However, if you have your base card with a second layer on that...you may have multiple small pieces each with 2 layers under them. You may use as many tools as you like.As I said, I think I got everything. . .my dry embossed piece, 2 pieces of patterned paper from the DCWV Far East Stack, 3 colors of cardstock (Riding Hood Red, Wild Wasabi and Brown), 4 embellishments (hemp, brads/gemstone for the dragon eye, paper piercing, gold glitter glue) and 5 layers (well, I have at least 5 anyway).

I'm thinking this card just isn't my normal style, so that's probably why I'm not so fond of it. I'm not the layering type either, so thinking about the layers so much had me stumped! LOL Be sure and check out what the other Prettie Girls came up with for this challenge as many of them are "Layer Queens Extraordinaire", so I'm sure their cards are just fabulous!! :)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

It's been a while since I've made a "long" card. For a while, I was making a lot of 3"x6" cards, but I got out of that phase. I thought I'd make one today. . .just for something different. This card uses a set from Inque Boutique called Love Grows. I used some Iced Grapefruit Sparkle Fibers on the heart and some pink Gemstones along the side of the focal image. You can find the stamp set as well as these embellishments at Stamper's Dream! The sparkle fibers give a really cool effect that you can't see too well in a photograph.

If you haven't been over to Stamper's Dream lately or to Michelle's blog, make sure you make your way over there! While she is away at CHA shopping for the store, she's giving away some fabulous Dreamy Treats! Make sure you sign up! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Love Grows (Inque Boutique); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Raspberry Tart DS, Wild Wasabi (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Gemstones (Hero Arts), Sparkle Fibers in Pink Grapefruit (Clearsnap), paper piercer, Copic markers; Finished card measures 3"x6"

Monday, January 26, 2009

Last night's Prettie Party was A LOT of fun! It was so nice to see so many of you there! For those of you who played along with the Blog Hop and all of the clues, the Stamp of the Month Club stamp for March is Sophia Ballerina! This is my favorite Sophia so far. . .but I'm a little partial to all things dance! :) Isn't she just adorable?

Flirty Fortunes, Sealed With a Kiss, Sealed with a Kiss Add On and Gliding By are all available now at Paper Pretties if you're interested! So head on over and check them out! Thanks for stopping by today. I hope your week is off to a great start! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Sophia Ballerina (Paper Pretties); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Regal Rose, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Regal Rose marker(SU); Accessories- Regal Rose wide grosgrain, scallop border punch (SU), paper piercer, Plain Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities(Spellbinders) blender pen; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Sunday, January 25, 2009

It has been a long while since I've participated in one of the Featured Stamper Challenges at SCS, but today, my sweet friend Vicky Gould was the Featured Stamper, so I HAD to play! :) I met Vicky at a Splitcoaststampers get-together in my area. She is such a doll, a sweet, sweet lady! I just LOVE everything she creates, so it was difficult to pick a card to CASE! I finally settled on this card. I changed the colors, the focal image shape and the stamps for my card. Congratulations, Vicky! I am so happy for you. . .you so deserve to be the featured stamper! :)

The set I used for my card is Sealed With a Kiss from Paper Pretties, which is being re-released in rubber tonight at 8pm EST! I hope you'll join us for the party in the forums. . .especially if you've been following the blog hop and collecting your clues to have a chance to win a 6 month subscription to the Stamp of the Month Club! It will be lots of fun and prizes will be given away every 1/2 hour from 8-11pm EST. You have to be present to win, so come join us and have some fun! (For a view of the sets that are being released tonight, check out the Paper Clip). Hope to see you there! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Sealed With a Kiss (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- white (Georgia-Pacific), Riding Hood Red (SU); Accessories- Copic markers, paper piercer, Heart Scallop and Plain Heart Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Heart Blocks Cuttlebug folder (Provocraft); Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Well, it's Day 3 of the Prettie Blog Hop and your last day of clues. If you've missed the first two days, start at Christie's Blog to collect the clues for Day 1 and start at Jessie's Blog to collect the clues for Day 2. Today, you should start at Jodi's Blog to collect all of the clues for today. In order to be eligible to win the prize, you'll need to collect all of the clues from the blog hop (13 in all) and email your answer to Christie at Christie@paperpretties.net. Answers must be in by 8am on the 25th to qualify. :)

Tomorrow at 8pm EST we'll all meet in the forum on the Paper Pretties web site to celebrate and find out who our grand prize winner is, as well as the winner of a few other goodies. We will be giving prizes away every 1/2 hour from 8-11 EST. Everyone who orders that night will receive a free roll of American Craft ribbon. Paper Pretties is giving away a 6 month subscription to the Stamp of the Month Club. Sound like fun?

As always we are releasing a new Sophia stamp for our March Stamp of the Month Club. Your job is to guess what this Sophia is doing. Ready for your final clue?

My clue for you is SPECIAL SHOES. Hope you've had fun collecting clues and coming up with a guess for this new Sophia! Don't forget to email your answers to Christie! See you tomorrow night at the release party! Thanks for playing along!

Friday, January 23, 2009

Taylor is celebrating the one year anniversary of the Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge! Each of the ladies on the Weekly Cupcake Crew has designed their own sketch for the celebration. I'm featuring Jami Sibley's sketch challenge. You can check out the sketch on her blog and find out about the prize you can win by participating!

**Don't forget to check out Taylor's blog, the anniversary celebration headquarters, for all of the sketch challenges as well as an awesome grand prize for one random winner who participates in ALL 9 sketch challenges! We hope you'll help us celebrate this yummy occasion! Check out the following awesome blogs to see more samplings of Jami's sketch!

Today is Day Two of the Anniversary Celebration at Paper Pretties and I have a sneak peek for you! This is a peek of one of the new sets to be released on January 25th at 8pm EST. It's called, Flirty Fortunes! I don't create very many "oriental" cards, so it was perfect when I realized I still had the DCWV Far East Stack that I bought ages ago! You'll love the different fortunes you can customize your card with. . .so cute.

If you've been collecting clues for the contest, you'll want to start at Jessie's blog today to get your first clue! If you haven't yet started to collect clues, you'll want to start at Christie's blog and collect yesterday's clues and then go to Jessie's blog to collect today's clues! I'll be giving you all the last clue tomorrow, so I hope you'll come back to collect that one!

If you missed all of the party details, here's a recap: On the 25th at 8 pm EST we'll all meet in the 2nd Anniversary Party Forum at Paper Pretties to celebrate and find out who the grand prize winner of our Blog Hop contest is, as well as the winner of a few other goodies. There will be prizes every 1/2 hour at the party and everyone who orders that night will receive a free roll of American Craft ribbon! You must be present to win. For the contest, your job is to guess what this new Sophia is doing!! The grand prize is a 6 month subscription to the Stamp of the Month Club. In order to win the prize, you'll need to collect all of the clues from the blog hop (13 in all)and submit your answer to Christie (christie@paperpretties.net). Answers must be in by 8am on the 25th to qualify. Good luck and have fun! Hope to see you at the party! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Flirty Fortunes (Paper Pretties); Paper- Far East Stack (DCWV); Accessories- Copic markers, hemp, paper piercer, Always Artichoke marker (SU); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Thursday, January 22, 2009

This past weekend, there was a mini Virtual Stamp Night going on at SCS. My good friend and fellow Prettie Girl Jules was hosting one of the challenges. Her Love Me Tender challenge was to make a card with something soft on it. I used Caramel Latte Flocking for Sophia's hat, the trim on her boots and the center of the scalloped heart. I also used some chocolate velvet ribbon for some extra added softness. Thanks for the great challenge, Jules!

Today starts the celebration of Paper Pretties' 2nd year! We're celebrating in true Prettie style and you won't want to miss out! This will be a 3 day Blog Hop - starting today!! Remember that on the 25th at 8 pm EST we'll all meet in the 2nd Anniversary Party Forum at Paper Pretties to celebrate and find out who the grand prize winner of our Blog Hop contest is, as well as the winner of a few other goodies. Plus there will be prizes every 1/2 hour at the party and everyone who orders that night will receive a free roll of American Craft ribbon! Yum!! :)Our hop this time requires a little bit of work on your part. As always we are releasing a new Sophia stamp for our March SOTM. Your job is to guess what this Sophia is doing!! The grand prize is a 6 month subscription to the Stamp of the Month Club. In order to win the prize, you'll need to collect all of the clues from the blog hop - 13 in all and submit your answer to Christie (christie@paperpretties.net). Answers must be in by 8am on the 25th to qualify.

To start today's blog hop, hop on over to Christie's blogwhere it all starts. Remember, you'll have to collect all of the clues (13 over the next 3 days) and figure out what the new Sophia that's being released is doing! Good luck and have fun!

In other news, on January 25th Paper Pretties will be two years old!! I can't believe it's been that long!! It seems like yesterday that I was in on the "secret meetings" to launch their new line of stamps! :) In honor of our Anniversary, we are having a celebration!!! Here are the details: January 25th will mark Paper Pretties 2nd year in business and we want to celebrate in true Prettie style with a mystery, lots of prizes, a party, and a ton of inspiration for you! We'll be releasing a new stamp set, revealing the next Stamp of the Month a little bit early and re-releasing Sealed with a Kiss in RUBBAH!!!Be sure to join us for all the fun. Our blog hop will begin on Christie's blog on January 22nd (tomorrow) and the fun will continue for 3 whole days culminating in our party in the forum on the 25th at 8pm EST. We'll be announcing our grand prize winner of a 6 month Stamp of the Month subscription and giving away one of our new stamp sets to another lucky winner. We'll have prizes every 1/2 hour during the party BUT you have to be there to win! Also, everyone who orders on the 25th OR joins the Stamp of the Month club will receive a free roll of American Crafts ribbon!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

This week started the Project Parade over at the Verve blog. The theme for this month is A Kid At Heart. I thought it would be a great opportunity to involve my daughter in actually making the project! What better project for her to help make than her Valentine treats for her preschool class? I know it's a BIG help to mom to have them completed. . .and early even! :) You can find the tutorial for making these lollipop covers on the Verve blog. While you're there, don't forget to check out Jen's ADORABLE project from yesterday! The rest of the divas will be showcasing their projects over the next couple weeks. . .you won't want to miss them or your chance to win! Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Sweet Valentine (Verve Stamps); Ink- Onyx Black (Versafine), Riding Hood Red (SU); Paper- Riding Hood Red, Basic Black (SU), white (Georgia-Pacific); Accessories- Copic marker, scallop edged scissors, staple, hole punch, Jolly Rancher Heart-Shaped lollipops.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Have you seen these sweet Sarah Kay images from Stampavie? They are all just adorable. You can find lots of them at Stamper's Dream! This particular image is out of stock right now, but I know Michelle is expecting a new shipment very soon! I paired this image with a sentiment from the Expressions clear stamp set from Inkadinkado, also found at Stamper's Dream. The Cuttlebug folder is Birds and Swirls, which I thought went well with this image. I colored the image with Stampin' Up markers and watercolored a bit to give a softer look.

I'm running out the door right now, so I'll fill in more of the details on this card when I get back. Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great day!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Since it's a sunny day again today, I thought I'd create a scrapbook page to help me forget just how cold it is outside! LOL This is one of my favorite pictures of my daughter Arwen. My favorite part of the picture is how she has her sunglasses on upside down. LOL I thought this picture would match up perfectly with this adorable image from A Year of Sweets 2 from Taylored Expressions. Two adorable cupcakes on one page. . .ya can't get any better than that, right? ;)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

As much as I don't like the cold weather, today is very sunny here with snow all over. It's hard not to be happy when it looks so beautiful outside! :) My girls would LOVE to be outside making snow angels just like Sophia, but it's entirely too cold and I can't just leave Isaac in the house by himself. . .not to mention the fact that two of the kids have nasty colds, so it's probably just best to enjoy the beautiful day from inside the house. :) For this card, I used the Snowflake Kisses set from Paper Pretties paired with the Holiday Treasures Designer paper from Stampin' Up. I just LOVE the warm colors. If you've been playing along with Danielle's Prettie Challenges, don't miss her latest Box Challenge!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Two weeks ago, Julie challenged the Prettie Girls to CASE a card from the Paper Pretties Gallery. I chose to CASE this gorgeous card by Christi. I love the clean, simple look she gave with the colors and the layout. Love it! I attempted to make a Valentine version of her card. I definitely like the monochromatic feel of Christi's card more than how mine turned out. I tried to use as few colors as I could, but it was difficult. :) Thank you for the awesome inspiration, Christi!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Here is a card using one of the newest releases from Verve Stamps, Jeremiah 29:11. I don't often use a brayer, but I imagined this stamp set stamped over one of those fabulous brayered background scenes by Michelle Zindorf. My brayered background didn't turn out nearly as fabulous as one of Michelle's, but I do like how it turned out. :) I wanted the cross to appear lightly within the sun and that worked pretty well with some clear embossing powder and sponging.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

I didn't get to stamp until late today. Laundry was calling, but I'm happy to say it's almost finished! :) This is for Taylor's Cupcake Challenge #50. I used the A Year of Sweets 2 set from Taylored Expressions along with A Year of Sweet Sentiments. The patterned paper is from the Blossoms & Butterflies Stack by DCWV. I used 3 different size circle punches to punch out the portions of the image I wanted for each circle. I colored the images using Copic markers and matted them with Basic Black cardstock. For a finishing touch, I added faux stitching around the main panel.

I'm hoping to get a little more stamping time today, but we'll see how that goes. Maybe once all of the laundry is put away! :) Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- A Year of Sweets 2, A Year of Sweet Sentiments (Taylored Expressions); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper- Blossoms & Butterflies Stack (DCWV), Basic Black (SU); Accessories- Copic markers, paper piercer, 1 3/8", 1 1/4", 1" circle punches (SU), grosgrain ribbon; Finished card measures 5.5"x4.25"

Friday, January 9, 2009

Please join us in the Verve Forum at SCS tonight from 8-10pm EST for the release party! There are 6 new sets being released as well as winners being announced! If you haven't visited the Verve Blog and left your comment each day this week, make sure you do that to be eligible to win the corresponding stamp set sneak peeked that day! For a chance to win the entire release, make sure you've participated in the Looking For Love Challenges, uploaded your cards by noon today and let us know in the I'm A Verve Challenge Champion Thread!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Have you been watching the sneak peeks on the Verve blog these past few days? If you haven't, be sure and check it out! You could win the that is being previewed for each day! The winners will be announced at the release party. Tomorrow night is the release party in the Verve forum at SCS starting at 8pm EST! You won't want to miss it!

This card uses the Hundred Hearts set. You will LOVE the sentiments and the hearts are just darling! The sentiments are perfect for not only your significant other, but for a friend or child! So head on over to the Verve blog and answer the question for each day to be entered for chances to win! Don't forget about the Looking For Love Challenges in the Verve forum! You could win the entire release! Thanks for stopping by today and have a great day! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Hundred Hearts (Verve Stamps); Ink- Riding Hood Red (SU), Onyx Black (Versafine); Paper- Bella Rose DS, Pink Pirouette (SU), Dark Chocolate (PTI); Accessories- Dark Chocolate Swiss Dots ribbon (PTI), paper piercer, Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest); Finished card measures 4.25"x5.5"

This month's Dreamy Challenge at Stamper's Dream was a sketch. . .my favorite! Didn't Tosh come up with an awesome sketch? I used the Flutterfly Friends set by Stampendous. We'd LOVE for you to play along! If you upload to SCS, please use keyword SDDC4. Michelle is offering some Dreamy Treats to a lucky winner, so be sure and link your creation to the comments section of Michelle's blog!

Stop and see what the fabulous Dream Team has come up with for this sketch!

I'm sure you've seen the latest Stamp of the Month Club stamp from Paper Pretties. . .Bunny Hop Sophia! If you haven't seen her yet, now you have! :) Isn't she cute? Each month they just keep getting cuter and cuter! Bunny Hop Sophia is the February Stamp of the Month. She won't be released to the public until March, so if you "need" her now (LOL), go sign up for the club! :)

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Two weeks ago, Jessica challenged us to create a card using Kraft, Ripe Avocado (Old Olive), Ocean Tides (Baja Breeze) and Dark Chocolate (Chocolate Chip). What yummy colors together! I just had to get out my Look Who's Perky set from Paper Pretties. The warm, yummy colors made me think of coffee. :) This card is on its way to Jessie, so maybe it will inspire her to cuddle up and have a warm beverage of her choice! :)

Today it's my turn to issue the next challenge. I challenge the Prettie Girls to go back to basics and go "pastel"! Dig out those chalks and use those to color your creation! Can't wait to see what they come up with! You're welcome to play along too and I'd LOVE to see your creations! If you'd like even more challenges, head on over to the Challenges thread in the Paper Pretties Forum. Danielle comes up with awesome challenges every week and we'd LOVE for you to play along! Thanks for stopping by today! SUPPLIES USED: Stamps- Look Who's Perky (Paper Pretties); Ink- Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Paper: Kraft, Ripe Avocado, Dark Chocolate, Ocean Tides (PTI); Accessories- wide Chocolate Chip grosgrain (SU), Copic markers, Dew Drops (The Robin's Nest); Finished card measures 4.25" square

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

If you haven't stopped by Melanie's blog this past week. . .you're missing out! Her 1 year Blogoversary celebration has been going on all week complete with awesome samples from Melanie and a bunch of her stamping friends, not to mention the prizes! Today Melanie is giving away a box of Copic Ciaos! Does that sound awesome? What's even more awesome is that the winner gets to pick which box! So head on over to this poston Melanie's blog and check it out!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

There's a new challenge in town! Awesome Verve Diva Amber will be hosting a weekly challenge in the Verve Forum on SCS called Viva la Verve. Here is my card for the first challenge, a sketch with a twist. The twist was to use hardware. I dusted off one of my favorite Verve sets that hasn't been used in a while. . .Thankful Blossoms. I used the Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper and some Purely Pomegranate. I colored the butterfly using Rose Red, Regal Rose and Old Olive markers. I had some pink rhinestone brads that matched perfectly to use as hardware.

Please go help Melanie Muenchinger celebrate a year of blogging and stamp designing over at her blog Hands, Head and Heart. Melanie and her guest designers will be sharing cards and projects from all her sets released through Gina K Designs this past year and prizes will be up for grabs every day! Sponsors include Gina K Designs, My Favorite Things, Scor-pal, Paper Temptress, and Melanie herself, who is donating, among other goodies, a brand new box of Copic Ciaos! There will also be challenges, contests, and a Who’s Who “Where are they Now?” on several of her past contest winners and guest designers! Come join in the fun and help spread the word!

Today's giveaway is from My Favorite Things! Today you can also see samples with Melanie's sets made by:

For my project today, I decided to recreate something I remember about Valentine's Day as a child. Remember decorating your Valentine paper bag or shoebox in grade school and the teacher lining the window with them and everyone would go around and drop their Valentine into each other's box or bag? I used to LOVE that! I especially remember getting Valentines that had a sucker attached to them. That's what a decided to make for Savannah and her class. I got the cutest little lollipop mold at my local craft store along with pink, red and chocolate candy wafers, sticks, bags and twist ties!

Once I created the base of the Valentine, I added two slits where I wanted to insert my lollipop.

After that, I inserted the lollipop and finished decorating/embellishing my Valentine. I omitted the "cherry" on top of the cupcake and replaced it with a heart brad. Super simple and super cute! What kid wouldn't love to receive one of these as a Valentine? Don't forget to stop and see the rest of the Baker's Dozen and check out what they've created!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Ready for another sneak peek of what will be available at Taylored Expressions tonight at midnight EST? Introducing Love Is Sweet. . .the sweetest Valentine set! Look at that cute little Cuppie with a kiss smacked on his cheek! I thought it was only perfect that this little Valentine set include LOTS of kisses to go with the Cuppie! If you love these papers and colors, then you'll LOVE the Valentine Key Ingredients that Taylor is offering! Be sure and visit the rest of the Baker's Dozen today to see more of this set.

Tonight at midnight EST, I'll have another sneak peek for you here! So be sure and stop back later. . .especially if you want to buy any of these new sets. They will be available at midnight EST tonight at Taylored Expressions!

Happy New Year! Trim the Tree Sophia from Paper Pretties is helping me ring in the New Year today! The jingle bell I found is a bit big for Sophia, but it works. :) You get the picture, right? She's all in her sparkly dress to go with the gold, silver and sparkly black paper. I used silver glimmer mist on the black paper. . .I LOVE the way it sparkles!

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About Me

I'm a SAHM of my four little "Oodabugs" Savannah, 14, Arwen, 12, Isaac, 10, and Isabelle, 9. I've spent my life as a musical theater performer, which is how I met my husband. We met while performing in a show together, though I haven't done much performing since having children. I do keep active in the field through choreographing, teaching dance and singing locally from time to time. As much as I miss the traveling performer's life, there's nothing quite like the performances I enjoy daily from my darling children.